Fort Myers, FL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 6-6
- Covered areas
- Streets, sidewalks, parkways, parking lots
- Open container
- Must be original package, sealed
- Fine range
- $135 to $500
- Max jail time
- 60 days
Summary
Drinking alcohol or carrying an open, unsealed alcoholic beverage on any Fort Myers street, sidewalk, parkway, parking lot or semipublic parking lot is illegal, with narrow exceptions for licensed private events.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drink or consume any alcoholic beverage on a semipublic parking lot or a public street, sidewalk, parkway or parking lot located in the city. It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, carry or possess any alcoholic beverage, except in the original package and with the seal unbroken, on a semipublic parking lot or a public street, sidewalk, parkway or parking lot located within the city.(b)Exemptions. This section shall not apply to any person engaged in picking up empty beverage containers for the purpose of collecting the deposit or value of the bottle or can itself, nor to any person taking part in a litter control campaign, nor at a duly licensed public or private event on the premises of the event. (Ord. No. 2594, § 1, 7-1-1991; Code 1991, §§ 4-6, 4-7)
Cross reference— Streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 78.
Secs. 6-7—6-40. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Fort Myers Code of Ordinances § 6-6 bans drinking or possessing alcohol on a semipublic parking lot or any public street, sidewalk, parkway or parking lot in the city. Transporting or carrying alcohol there is also unlawful unless it stays in its original package with the seal unbroken. The ban does not apply to people collecting empty containers for deposit value, litter-control volunteers, or anyone at a duly licensed public or private event on the event premises. A separate rule, Sec. 58-154(1), bars alcohol in city parks except at permitted public events like Riverfest or approved concessions.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 6-6 is a general Code offense under § 1-14: a fine of $135 to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, plus a mandatory $25 crime-prevention-fund contribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a sealed six-pack down a Fort Myers sidewalk?
Is drinking allowed in Fort Myers parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Public Alcohol Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle public alcohol use.